Türkiye has emerged as a leader in hydropower capacity expansion in Europe, adding 399 megawatts (MW) to its capacity last year, surpassing other European countries, according to a recent report by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). Hydropower plants are favored globally for their efficiency, longevity, and clean energy production, making them a preferred choice over fossil fuels.
The IHA’s ‘2024 World Hydropower Outlook’ revealed that the installed hydropower capacity worldwide reached 1,416 gigawatts (GW) last year, showing an increase of 13,700 MW compared to 2022. Additionally, pumped storage projects globally contributed around 6,500 MW of new capacity.
East Asian and Pacific countries saw a significant increase in hydropower capacity, adding 8,586 MW, followed by Africa with 1,874 MW and South and Central Asian countries with 1,338 MW. In Europe, a total of 717 MW of new hydroelectric capacity was added last year, with Türkiye leading the way by adding 399 MW, elevating it to the top spot from third place in 2022.
Türkiye’s focus on diversifying its energy mix and emphasizing renewable energy aligns with its goal of reducing reliance on foreign energy sources and meeting its energy needs domestically. The country’s investments in hydropower are in harmony with its climate objectives, as it aims to increase the share of renewables in its energy portfolio.
Other European countries among the top five in hydropower capacity expansion included Austria, Germany, Norway, and Finland. Austria added 120 MW, Germany and Norway added 91 MW and 90 MW, respectively, while Finland increased its capacity by 5 MW in 2023.
Norway holds the largest hydropower installed capacity in Europe, with 33,897 MW, followed by Türkiye with 32,529 MW. On a global scale, China leads with 421,000 MW of installed capacity, having added 6,740 MW last year, the highest increase worldwide. Brazil ranks second with 110,000 MW, and the U.S. follows with 102,000 MW.
Other countries with significant hydropower capacity include Canada, Russia, India, Japan, and France. In 2023, hydropower plants worldwide produced 4,185 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, with the East Asia and Pacific region leading in generation with 1,503 TWh, followed by South America with 728 TWh and North and Central America with 645 TWh.
